Isaiah 36:21
But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The silence of Hezekiah's officials isn't a sign of defeat or being speechless, but a deliberate act of obedience to their king's direct command. Hezekiah, sensing the insolent and blasphemous nature of Rabshakeh's words, instructed them not to engage, choosing a strategic silence over a futile debate.
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, has just delivered a blistering, blasphemous speech to the people of Jerusalem, taunting them about trusting in Hezekiah and God. The king’s envoys, who were initially sent to speak with Rabshakeh, have already been rebuffed and insulted. In response to this latest tirade, the king’s command was for his people to remain utterly silent and not engage with Rabshakeh’s insolence.
When faced with overwhelming threats and hateful words, is silence always weakness? Sometimes, the most powerful response isn't a word, but a deliberate lack of one.
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, unleashed a torrent of taunts and blasphemies, aiming to break the spirit of Jerusalem's defenders and incite rebellion against King Hezekiah. Yet, the Bible records a profound silence from the people on the wall.
This silence wasn't born of fear or helplessness. It was a direct result of Hezekiah's command: 'Do not answer him.' This was a strategic decision.
This teaches us that in the face of intense provocation and spiritual attack, our first impulse shouldn't always be to retaliate verbally. Sometimes, obedience to wise leadership (or our own discernment of wisdom) to remain silent, and to instead turn to prayer and trust in God, is the most effective strategy.
Imagine the weight on King Hezekiah's shoulders: his city besieged, his people terrified, and an enemy commander hurling blasphemies. How does a leader respond when all seems lost?
Rabshakeh's speech was designed to dismantle any hope Jerusalem had, attacking their trust in Hezekiah, in Egypt, and most importantly, in God. He proclaimed that the Assyrian king's power was unmatched, even greater than the gods of other nations, and that the LORD Himself had supposedly sent him.
Hezekiah's command for silence is a profound act of faith. Instead of engaging in a futile debate or issuing a defiant roar, he chose a different path.
Understand the original words
charash · Hebrew Verb
Refers to the state of being mute or quiet; in a biblical context, it often signifies wisdom in the face of provocation, submissiveness, or a lack of defense when God is acting or when the enemy is blaspheming.
melek · Hebrew Noun
A person of authority, frequently referring to a monarch. Theologically, it often contrasts human sovereignty with the ultimate sovereignty of God, the King of Kings.
mitsvah · Hebrew Noun
A formal directive or edict, often carrying the weight of sovereign authority. In Scripture, commands reflect the character and intent of the one issuing them.
The silence of Hezekiah's officials was not born of defeat, but of a strategic obedience to their king's command to avoid a pointless, inflammatory exchange with the Assyrian envoy. This moment highlights a deliberate choice to withhold words and instead seek divine intervention in a crisis.
c. 705 BC
Sennacherib's Campaign
King Sennacherib of Assyria launches a major campaign against the Levant, which includes a significant invasion of Judah. Many of its fortified cities are conquered.
c. 701 BC— this verse
Siege of Jerusalem Begins
Sennacherib's forces arrive at Jerusalem, where King Hezekiah has fortified the city. The Assyrian field commander, Rabshakeh, confronts the city's officials.
c. 701 BC
Rabshakeh's Blasphemous Speech
Rabshakeh delivers a lengthy, insulting speech to the people of Jerusalem, mocking their trust in God and King Hezekiah's leadership.
c. 701 BC
Hezekiah's Appeal to Isaiah
Distressed by Rabshakeh's words, Hezekiah, along with his officials, turns to the prophet Isaiah for divine intervention.
During Samuel's farewell address, he calls for silence and a demonstration of God's judgment when the people complain about having a king. This shows a pattern of God intervening when people are silent in the face of challenges or accusations, allowing Him to act.
Psalm 39:1-3The psalmist resolves to guard his ways and remain silent, even when faced with the wicked, to avoid sinning with his tongue. This echoes the wisdom of Hezekiah's command for silence in the face of overwhelming and blasphemous opposition.
Proverbs 17:28This proverb states that even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise. The silence of Hezekiah's officials, though commanded, highlights a strategic restraint and a refusal to engage with the enemy's taunts, aligning with this wisdom.
Lamentations 3:25-26Jeremiah expresses that the Lord is good to those who wait for Him and seek Him, emphasizing the strength found in patient silence and trust during difficult times. This resonates with Hezekiah's ultimate reliance on God rather than human argument.
Acts 4:17-18When the Sanhedrin forbids Peter and John to speak in Jesus' name, they initially fall silent, but then declare they must obey God rather than men. This shows a parallel where silence is a temporary strategic response before a divine mandate to speak, highlighting different responses to authoritative silencing.
cambridgeIsaiah 36:21: "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
21 . they held their peace ] i.e. the people on the wall, as is expressed in 2 Kings 18:36 . Isaiah 37:1-4 . Hezekiah, thrown back at last on the policy of faith consistently advocated by Isaiah, sends an influential deputation to the prophet, entreating him to intercede for the nation in this extremity. (Cf. 2 Kings 12:12-14 ; Jeremiah 37:3 ) The king’s message could…
clarkeIsaiah 36:21: "But they held their peace, and answered him not a word: for the king's commandment was, saying, Answer him not."
But they held their peace "But the people held their peace" - The word העם haam, the people, is supplied from the other copy, and is authorized by a MS. which inserts it after אתו otho.
The silence of Hezekiah's officials isn't a sign of defeat or being speechless, but a deliberate act of obedience to their king's direct command. Hezekiah, sensing the insolent and blasphemous nature of Rabshakeh's words, instructed them not to engage, choosing a strategic silence over a futile debate.
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, has just delivered a blistering, blasphemous speech to the people of Jerusalem, taunting them about trusting in Hezekiah and God. The king’s envoys, who were initially sent to speak with Rabshakeh, have already been rebuffed and insulted. In response to this latest tirade, the king’s command was for his people to remain utterly silent and not engage with Rabshakeh’s insolence.
Rabshakeh, the Assyrian commander, has just delivered a blistering, blasphemous speech to the people of Jerusalem, taunting them about trusting in Hezekiah and God. The king’s envoys, who were initially sent to speak with Rabshakeh, have already been rebuffed and insulted. In response to this latest tirade, the king’s command was for his people to remain utterly silent and not engage with Rabshakeh’s insolence.
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c. 701 BC
Divine Intervention
The angel of the Lord strikes down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in their camp overnight, forcing Sennacherib to withdraw his army and return to Nineveh.
c. 681 BC
Sennacherib's Assassination
Sennacherib is assassinated by two of his own sons. His successor, Esarhaddon, continues Assyrian imperial policies.
"But they were silent and answered him not a word, for the king’s command was, “Do not answer him.”" — The silence of Hezekiah's officials isn't a sign of defeat or being speechless, but a deliberate act of obedience to their king's direct command. Hezekiah, sensing the insolent and blasphemous nature…
